Then he sent a photo: Ron M. Baloochi in the 1970s when he rocked a 'fro.

Then he sent a photo: Ron M. Baloochi in the 1970s when he rocked a 'fro.

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The Afro tool of choice: The Afro pick.

The Afro tool of choice: The Afro pick.

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Ode to the Afro: Viola Davis, other celebs & locals celebrate the 'do

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Lester and Sue Smith‘s Disco Legends gala for Texas Children’s Hospital was a great excuse to get dressed up in 1970s disco attire, complete with an Afro wig. I found dozens and dozens of partygoers in ‘fros at the gala, which was held at the George R. Brown Convention Center last weekend. (The Smiths raised a record $32.2 million for the hospital.) Even Sue Smith bought an Afro wig for the party at Wig Mart near the downtown Sears, where I found mine for $19. But she opted for a cute flip hairdo. The experience reminded me of why the Afro is a classic today: it’s fun and can give you added height.

More importantly, the Afro has a place in history. During the 1960s, it became a political symbol in the United States to reflect black pride during the tumultuous Civil Rights era. Today, wearing an Afro is about choice, freedom and style. Celebs from Viola Davis to exercise legend Richard Simmons have rocked a ‘fro. ‘Then there are others, like my editor, who enjoys using the Afro tool of choice: the pick. She been using the same pink Afro pick for 20 years to comb her straight, blond hair.

“It’s the best thing ever. It’s easy and fits in a clutch. Every woman should have one,” she said.